Free agent RB D.J. Ware will be among the running backs working out for the Giants Tuesday. Ware, Jeremy Wright and Peyton Hillis will be battling for one roster spot. Ware, 28, might have the edge as he was with the Giants last in 2011. He can at least be a third-down back behind starter Brandon Jacobs and change-of-pace man Michael Cox.

Bucs released RB D.J. Ware.

Bucs signed RB D.J. Ware, formerly of the Giants.

Giants released RB D.J. Ware. Ware, a strong pass protector but poor runner, had been in the mix for both third-down and goal-line work. In 16 games last season, he rushed 46 times for 163 yards and added 27 catches for 170 yards. Ware's release opens up a handful more receiving opportunities for both starter Ahmad Bradshaw and impressive first-round rookie David Wilson.

ESPN New York believes RB D.J. Ware is on the roster bubble. Ware's stock has been all over the board. He's an unimpressive runner, but his ability to protect the passer makes him a good third-down fit. It looks like Ware and Andrew Brown are battling for one roster spot. Da'Rel Scott is likely to stick as a core special teamer. Regardless, David Wilson's stock continues to rise.

Coach Tom Coughlin said that D.J. Ware's role will "not necessarily" change following David Wilson's breakout preseason. Coughlin is just being stubborn here. It's clear that Wilson, a first-round pick, has earned the promotion by rushing 20 times for 118 yards (5.90 YPC) and hauling in four passes for 52 yards through three tuneups. Ware has 17 carries for 49 yards (2.88 YPC). Wilson is the handcuff and change-of-pace option behind starter Ahmad Bradshaw.

D.J. Ware failed to impress in Friday's preseason game against the Bears, rushing once for four yards while adding a catch for three yards. Ware and Andre Brown rotated snaps after first-round pick David Wilson started in place of Ahmad Bradshaw and put on a show. Ware was supposedly in the mix for goal-line and short-yardage carries, but that's clearly not the case. He'll enter the Giants' preseason finale with 17 rushes for 49 yards and a score. He didn't catch a pass in the first two games. Brown has 16 carries for 39 yards and a touchdown, and two catches for six yards.

The Star-Ledger suggests D.J. Ware could serve as the Giants' goal-line and power back. At 6'0/225, Ware profiles well for the job. However, starter Ahmad Bradshaw handled goal-line duties well last season as he racked up six touchdowns in goal-to-go situations. He'll probably get the first crack, with Ware waiting in the wings now that that Brandon Jacobs is out of the picture.

ESPN New York believes D.J. Ware has the edge on rookie David Wilson to open the season as Ahmad Bradshaw's backup. It's too early to predict with any level of certainty until training camp practices begin. Ware already has the coaching staff's trust on third downs, but Wilson offers far more talent in the change-of-pace role. Ware and Brandon Jacobs each played roughly 25 percent of the snaps last year compared to Bradshaw at just under 50 percent. It's fair to suggest Ware and Wilson will split half the snaps in 2012.

Giants RB D.J. Ware returned to practice on Thursday. It's not clear yet if he's been fully cleared for Sunday's game. Ware has sustained at least four concussions in the past three years, including two within the past three months. He had been working as the Giants' third-down back.